Christian Taveras-Polanco, Cocaine Trafficking, New Hampshire 2018

Grimy Times

CONCORD – In a shocking turn of events, Christian Taveras-Polanco, 40, a resident of Littleton, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to a serious crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Taveras-Polanco was involved in a cocaine trafficking operation. On December 6, 2018, law enforcement officers surveilled him driving around the Littleton, New Hampshire, area in a gold Hummer registered to Lemuel Cruz Cepeda and stopping at two residences for a brief time. A traffic stop was conducted on the Hummer, and Taveras-Polanco initially identified himself as a citizen of the United States named Lemuel Cruz Cepeda. A consent search of the vehicle revealed 140 grams of cocaine. Taveras-Polanco was arrested and later admitted that he is a citizen of the Dominican Republic named Christian Taveras-Polanco, not a United States citizen named Lemuel Cruz Cepeda. Officers obtained a search warrant for Taveras-Polanco’s residence and located 302 additional grams of cocaine there.

Taveras-Polanco is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2019. The charges against him include possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. This crime has caused untold damage to communities throughout New Hampshire.

U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray stated, “Drug trafficking causes untold damage to communities throughout New Hampshire. It is of vital importance that we push back aggressively against the sale of these deadly substances. We are fully committed to working with our law enforcement partners throughout the state to identify and prosecute those who are involved in distributing cocaine and other dangerous drugs.”

Special Agent In Charge, Peter C. Fitzhugh, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), praised the successful prosecution of this individual, saying, “We’re thankful for the successful prosecution of this individual, which should be seen as a sign of the seriousness with which federal law enforcement takes the threat posed by criminal illegal aliens who prey on U.S. citizens and the communities they hide within.”

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes.

Taveras-Polanco’s crime was a serious offense, and it is a relief that he has pleaded guilty. The people of New Hampshire can rest a little easier knowing that this individual will face justice for his actions.